Contemporary management of blunt colonic injuries – Experience from a level one trauma centre in New Zealand

Introduction

Blunt colonic injury (BCI) is relatively rare, and literature on the topic is sparse. This study reviews our contemporary experience in its management at a level-one trauma centre in New Zealand.

Materials and Methods

This was a retrospective study (January 2012 to December 2020) that included all patients who sustained a BCI managed at Waikato Hospital, New Zealand.

Results

Of the total of 1181 patients with blunt abdominal trauma, 69 (6%) of them sustained a BCI (49% male, mean age: 36 years). 78 separate colonic injuries were identified in the 69 cases. The most commonly injured segment was the ascending colon 49% (38/78). Eighty percent (55/69) underwent a CT scan, with only 16 showing definite evidence of a colonic injury. AAST Grade 1 was the most common (81%). Fifteen patients underwent damage control surgery. All 11 grade 1 injuries were repaired primarily, whilst the other four grade 4 and 5 colonic injuries were resected, with 3 having a subsequent stoma formation and one delayed anastomosis. There were four mortalities. Patients who had negative or equivocal admission CT findings for colonic injury had delays to the operating theatre and had poorer outcomes.

Conclusion

BCI is rare but is associated with a prolonged hospital stay. The treatment of BCI is similar to that of penetrating colonic injury. CT appeared inaccurate in many cases.